Paneer Bhurji (Spicy Cottage Cheese Crumble)

Mumbai Street Food or Bombay Street Food in unique in so many ways. It is not junk food  but economical nourishing sustenance. Think about it; Vada-Pav is loaded with carbs but wa originally meant for people involved in hard labour. They needed it. And so cheap. Fill your stomach for INR 8-10. Misal-Pav combines proteins and carbs, and keeps you from feeling hungry for a significant part of the day. I could go on and on and on… 🙂

In the same vein, another favourite food of Mumbaikars is Egg Bhurji or Anda Bhurji; scrambled eggs, Mumbai-ishtyle. And Mumbai being all-embracing has a veggie equivalent of this dish in the form of Paneer Bhurji aka Crumbled Cottage Cheese.

Paneer Bhurji gets done in a jiffy and is protein-laden. Typically served with Pao or Pav (or local Indian bread), Paneer Bhurji is now available on menus of most local eateries. I like mine simple and teekha (spicy), but you can impart absolutely any flavour to it.

Do also try my recipe for a healthier Paneer Bhurji loaded with bell peppers!

Serves: 4

Time: 30 Mins

Ingredients

1. Paneer or Cottage Cheese – 400 gms
2. Onion – 2 Medium
3. Green Chillies – 4 to 6
4. Red Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp
5. Turmeric – 1/4 tsp
6. Oil – 1 tbsp
7. Salt to Taste

Method

1. Crumble the paneer and set aside.
2. Chop the onion into 1/4″ pieces.
3. Chop the green chillies into 1/4″ pieces.
4. In a kadhai or wok, heat the oil.
5. Add the onion pieces and stir-fry till transparent.
6. Add the green chilli pieces and fry for a minute.
7. Turn off the heat and immediately add turmeric, salt, and red chilli powder.
8. Mix well.
9. Add the crumbled paneer and mix well with a light hand.
10. Keep covered for about 10 minutes.
11. Serve warm with rotis or pav.

Tips

• The number of green chillies you use depends on how spicy you want the paneer bhurji to be.
• You can omit the red chilli powder if you so wish.
• If you are using frozen paneer, let it defrost for at least 1 hour and discard the liquid, if any.
• If you are on a diet, this is a great dish to have in small quantities. You get you dose of proteins and calcium.
• Sprinkle 1/4 tsp chat masala or amchur for a “different” taste.